TR Leger School Presented with Literacy Award from Canada’s Premiers

Brockville – Today the Skills Training and Employment Preparation (STEP) program of the TR Leger School of Adult, Alternative and Continuing Education was presented with a Council of the Federation Literacy Award in recognition of the program’s innovations in digital literacy.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement, innovative practice and excellence in literacy. The awards are presented annually, in each province and territory, to recognize the excellence of educators, volunteers, learners, community organizations and businesses in many areas including family, Indigenous, health, workplace and community literacy.

MPP Jim McDonell for Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry was on hand to present the
award to the STEP team.

“I’m really proud of the staff at all of our campuses. They do outstanding work with our students, not just teaching but forming relationships with them to understand their needs,” said TR Leger Principal Sandy McInnes. “Our champions are our program instructors. They create a culture of comfort and care for our students. They really get to know the learners coming in and align opportunities and resources with the interests of the students.”

UCDSB Board Chair John McAllister added, “Digital literacy is of the upmost importance
in today’s world. These skills are essential in today’s job market. I’m very proud of the
work everyone in this program does to help our adult learners advance their digital skills
and be successful.”

TR Leger has delivered the Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) program, also known as the
Skills, Training and Employment Preparation program (STEP), for more than 20 years.
The program helps individuals build foundational literacy and digital skills that prepare
them for employment, independent living, pursuing an Ontario Secondary School
Diploma, or attending college or university.

“Daphne Lane, our recently retired manager of literacy and language services, has
really been a driving force in the development and implementation of digital literacy
resources and training for our LBS program,” McInnes said.

TR Leger School serves approximately 450 adult literacy students annually, including a
class in the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional Facility.

More information on the Council of the Federation Literacy Awards can be found on the
Canada’s Premiers website.